[barbaral6]

I don't really know how this is done, but I need some info.<br>
My son(22 months)has had a fever since tuesday. It is now Friday night. He's had a few ear infections in the past but when I've taken him to the doctor all they do is give us a prescription for antibiotics(that I get rid of as soon as we leave the office).<br>
He's not very verbal yet, but he communicates well. From what he's been telling me it is his ears. My question is how long before an ear infection actually needs antibiotics(if ever)? Also, how long should I let him go with a fever before letting the doctor check him out?<br>
He's baby #3(#4 is on the way!) but my older kids never had ear trouble.<br>
I usually just go with my mommy instinct, but it's not working this time!<br>
I would really appreciate some help on this one.<br>
Thanks so much<br>
Barbara<br>
One more thing- he just had roseola on thanksgiving so I know that's not it.

 

[Gitti]

If you are still nursing put bm into the ear that he complains about. If not, I would use garlic and olive oil warmed up and put it into the ear. But if you do, make sure to test it on your ear because the ear is very heat sensitive.<br><br>
Is he vaccinated?<br><br>
How is he acting?<br><br>
Is he playing in between complaining about the ear ache?

 

[barbaral6]

yes, we're still nursing. Thanks I'll try it.<br>
He's partially vaccinated.<br>
He's a little mushy, but not acting lethargic. He's still playing, but you can see that he's not feeling the best.<br>
I'm really stuck on this one.

 

[Momtezuma Tuatara]

I'd wait. There's not much to be concerned about if he's playing... JMO

 

[Gitti]

I would also give him maybe about 1/4 teasp. Sodium Ascorbate powder two or three times a day in some bm or diluted juice. And I would not worry about the temp if he is playing and not constantly screaming and pulling on the ear.<br><br>
Here is a good link about the fever:<a href="http:/a/west8.html" target="_blank">http://www.*********/a/west8.html</a><br><br>
I would not use antibiotic nor any other medication.<br><br>
And for future references maybe you could get yourself the book by Dr. Mendelsohn : RAISING A HEALTHY CHILD IN SPITE OF YOUR DOCTOR.<br><br>
You will be surprised how much useful information it contains.

 

[barbaral6]

Thanks for the help. I'll have to look for that book.<br>
New thought to freak myself out-what if it's strep and I just let it go?<br>
It must be the pregnancy. I usually don't worry so much : )<br>
Barbara

 

[Plummeting]

Strep throat is uncommon in kids under 3. Obviously it's not impossible for them to get it, but it's not common, if that helps put your mind at ease at all. <img alt="" class="inlineimg" src="http://www.mothering.com/discussions/images/smilies/upsidedown.gif" style="border:0px solid;" title="upsidedown">

 

[mamakay]

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<div>Originally Posted by <strong>barbaral6</strong></div>
<div style="font-style:italic;">Thanks for the help. I'll have to look for that book.<br>
New thought to freak myself out-what if it's strep and I just let it go?<br>
It must be the pregnancy. I usually don't worry so much : )<br>
Barbara</div>
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Even if it was Strep it would still probably be OK. Death-by-strep isn't a huge problem in the developed world. If your child ever seems scarily, freakishly ill, then go to the ER.<br>
If your baby's "OMG" sick, you're not going to be posting about it on MDC, you know?

 

[Mommy To Baby Roni]

Are you treating his ears with something homeopathic, such as garlic oil & mullein?

 

[barbaral6]

Well, thanks for all of the help. I really needed to know that I was doing the right thing here. Most of the moms I know think I'm weird for being an organic AP. Then again, I think they're weird for not being an organic AP. Whatever!<br>
Anyway, Brian is doing great today-glad I didn't rush off to the doctor.<br>
Mamakay, you were right, I wouldn't have been posting if it was that bad.<br>
It's nice to know that I can come here and get help and support when I need it. Thanks again guys. I'm sure I'll be back!(maybe I'll even figure out how to use the icons : )<br>
Barbara

 

[Jen123]

Have you tried ear candles ? Those do wonders. With such a small child I'd require the help of another adult. They are simple and easy to use , pain free and the heat/warmth would soothe the ear.<br><br>
Rule: If you do one ear you HAVE to do the other.<br><br>
Rule: Avoid putting your head completely under water for a couple of days after.<br><br>
The dark yellow gummy stuff inside the candle (when you're done) is earwax. The light powdery stuff is candle residue.<br><br>
It's safe and effective. And cheap compared to antibiotics.